Fear leads to anxiety and allows our minds to drift quickly to the worst-case scenario. We think about the myriad of things we might lose and have trouble discerning reality from the actionable things directly in front of us. Instead of focusing on the things we can control, we throw our hands up and yield everything to fear. There is a sense that fear leads us to forget the depth of our knowledge and experience and instead limit ourselves to only what is directly in front of us. Fear makes us impetuous and chase ghosts. It was this behavior that took over after Jesus had fed the five thousand. Jesus feeds thousands, then walks on water. Unquestionably divine. But the narrative doesn’t end in triumphant praise. Instead, the people sought to use Jesus for their ends instead of just being in awe of the presence of the Son of God. Just as the masses got distracted by their desires for Jesus, our distractions reveal our misplaced focus and the truth about our hearts. The fear of Rome and even of the sea allows the people and the disciples to distract themselves from the Gospel message present in the life of Christ.
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately, the boat was at the land to which they were going.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), John 6:16-21.
The people’s focus shifted after witnessing Jesus miraculously feed the five thousand. They urged Jesus to become a conquering king, aligning Him with their desires for physical deliverance from the Romans rather than embracing His message of spiritual liberation and peace. Their fears of Rome took paramount importance in their minds rather than the spiritual liberation Jesus provided. Similarly, the disciples’ journey through the stormy sea after leaving the miracle also symbolizes the Church’s trials. The storm represents the rise of errors, terrors, and iniquity. Fixating on these hardships can harden hearts, causing forgetfulness of past blessings and limiting expectations for answered prayers. Fear blinds us from. Despite Jesus’ extraordinary acts, we are easily distracted by life’s storms. When we follow Christ, our focus should not solely be His actions during our struggles. Though He may sometimes feel distant, He is always ready to reach out with comfort, healing, and love.
Jesus walking on the water is a manifestation of God’s power over nature, reminiscent of the Exodus, revealing God coming to aid His people in distress. Jesus calmed their fears by saying, “It is I; do not be afraid,” which serves as a divine self-affirmation, echoing the divine name spoken in Exodus. He did this amid terrifying problems that lacked an easy solution and befuddled the disciples; Jesus thus gives the powerful assurance of His presence and brings peace that overcomes fear. The disciples’ experience teaches believers that Christ is present and aware of struggles, even in the darkest and stormiest times. Believers are encouraged to maintain faith and patience, continue their duties, and look to Jesus, who controls the situation. Christ’s message speaks to us throughout history, reaching deep into any darkness surrounding us and calming us with His presence. Christ’s presence continues with us today. Even when we struggle with the distractions around us, we are called to raise our gaze, reminding us that even when we are off balance and lacking direction, Christ commands nature around us so that we know we are in the presence of the Almighty.
When Christ is present, believers have grounds for confidence, calmness, and ease. This is because He sources of propitiation and salvation. The ship in the story prefigures the Church, suggesting that the Church can move forward with Christ even when facing storms and darkness. A renewed hope and power can be experienced through Christ’s presence despite the failings of the structure and organization. This power enables the church to serve a world plagued by fear and despair. The Church provides reassurance to overcome the world’s sorrow by sharing Christ’s presence and message. Due to our assurance in Christ, we are allowed to enter situations without fear, bringing Christ to those struggling through challenging and uncertain circumstances. Just as Jesus’ presence in the disciples’ boat led them safely to the other side, we also can be assured that Jesus’ presence will always bring us to our destination. This highlights that assurance in Christ empowers believers to overcome fear, and the Church is tasked with extending this assurance to others.
Much like the boat that carried Christ, the Church will safely reach its destination. Although the world is full of fear and despair, the Church carries Christ’s message and presence, which provides assurance and hope. This reminds people that Christ offers confidence, calmness, and ultimate deliverance, allowing them to overcome fear and find peace. Christ’s presence is a constant source of comfort and control even when the storms of life engulf us. When consumed by fear, we become easily distracted from the core message of Christ. This misplaced focus leads us to pursue temporary solutions and self-serving desires, missing the spiritual deliverance and peace that Christ offers through his presence. Therefore, the church’s mission must be to set aside fear, embrace the Gospel message, and share the presence of the Almighty with our world as they face uncertainty.
Horizon Community Church 